This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) eLetters: Submit a response to this article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services E-mail this article link to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Reprints/Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hoekstra, R. Articles by Verweij, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hoekstra, R. Articles by Verweij, J.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors: Current Developments and Future Perspectives

Department of Medical Oncology, Rotterdam Cancer Institute (Daniel den Hoed Kliniek) and University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Correspondence: Ronald Hoekstra, M.D., Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Fax: 31-10-463-4627; e-mail: hoekstra{at}oncd.azr.nl

Malignant tumors are characterized by invasive growth and metastasis. To facilitate this invasive behavior, the enzymatic breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a prerequisite. Many human tumors are characterized by locally increased concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that are able to degrade this ECM. A vast number of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) have been developed in recent years and after extensive preclinical testing, the results of the first clinical studies with several of these compounds have recently been presented. In this review we will describe some of the basic concepts of the degradation of the ECM, with special emphasis on the role of MMPs in the progression of cancer. Furthermore we will review the results of preclinical and clinical studies with MMPIs and discuss their future perspective.

Key Words. Matrix metalloproteinases • Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors • Cancer • Clinical studies

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. P.G. Sluijter, D. P.V. de Kleijn, and G. Pasterkamp Vascular remodeling and protease inhibition-bench to bedside Cardiovasc Res, February 15, 2006; 69(3): 595 - 603. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Vanhoutte, M. Schellings, Y. Pinto, and S. Heymans Relevance of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors after myocardial infarction: A temporal and spatial window Cardiovasc Res, February 15, 2006; 69(3): 604 - 613. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Guignabert, L. Taysse, J.-H. Calvet, E. Planus, S. Delamanche, S. Galiacy, and M.-P. d'Ortho Effect of doxycycline on sulfur mustard-induced respiratory lesions in guinea pigs Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, July 1, 2005; 289(1): L67 - L74. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. KJAeR Role of Extracellular Matrix in Adaptation of Tendon and Skeletal Muscle to Mechanical Loading Physiol Rev, April 1, 2004; 84(2): 649 - 698. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. M. Yarbrough, R. Mukherjee, G. P. Escobar, J. T. Mingoia, J. A. Sample, J. W. Hendrick, K. B. Dowdy, J. E. McLean, A. S. Lowry, T. P. O'Neill, et al. Selective Targeting and Timing of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition in Post-Myocardial Infarction Remodeling Circulation, October 7, 2003; 108(14): 1753 - 1759. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. van der Pluijm, M. Deckers, B. Sijmons, H. de Groot, J. Bird, R. Wills, S. Papapoulos, A. Baxter, and C. Lowik In Vitro and in Vivo Endochondral Bone Formation Models Allow Identification of Anti-Angiogenic Compounds Am. J. Pathol., July 1, 2003; 163(1): 157 - 163. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B.-K. Choi, H. J. Lee, J. H. Kang, G. J. Jeong, C. K. Min, and Y.-J. Yoo Induction of Osteoclastogenesis and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression by the Lipooligosaccharide of Treponema denticola Infect. Immun., January 1, 2003; 71(1): 226 - 233. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]